310: Striking the Perfect Balance: Integrating AI and Human Interaction in Elementary Classrooms
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Release Date: 11/13/2023
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this episode of the Shifting Schools podcast, Tricia Friedman interviews Jeff Utecht about the importance of understanding generational differences in education and leadership. They discuss how each generation's upbringing shapes their expectations and behaviors, particularly in the context of technology and social media. Jeff emphasizes the need for educators and parents to adapt their approaches to meet the needs of today's students, who are influenced by a vastly different social landscape than previous generations. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting in a...
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This week we bring you a special episode of another show you might like: Outliers. "Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org. Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions. Jeff Utecht goes deep into how AI tools like ChatGPT-4 have the potential to revolutionize the classroom. Utecht helps us navigate the delicate balance of excitement and fear around AI's role in education, offering valuable insights into how educators can best serve their students in this new era. "Our job is to prepare students...
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Links: Sponsor: Summary In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman discuss the intersection of the Super Bowl and media literacy. They explore how educators can leverage the Super Bowl's advertising to teach students about media literacy, storytelling, and critical thinking. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding advertising intentions, engaging families in discussions about media, and the role of AI in advertising. They also announce an upcoming webinar series focused on AI and media literacy, encouraging listeners to download a free...
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takes us through the phenomenal book: , a transformative guide that offers practical strategies to help educators deepen their connections with students and drive meaningful change in the classroom. Marcela has dedicated her career to creating culturally responsive strategies that foster strong relationships between educators, families, and communities. Marcela’s work is focused on empowering educators to go beyond compliance and embrace the power of relationships as a foundation for student success. Her book highlights key principles that allow educators to create high-quality learning...
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Libraries can be a space for community building and idea exchange. During this new era of AI–what is already happening in the library? That's what we explore this week with three different perspectives on the way the Librarian is a critical voice on all things AI. Ready to meet our guests? Zakir Hossain is a Teacher-Librarian and independent researcher. He’s passionate about academic integrity and artificial intelligence literacy development. Born and raised in Bangladesh, Zakir has lived and worked in Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Zakir can be reached via...
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On the show this week Jeff and Tricia talk with author, Pepper Stetler about the new book A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test. Pepper Stetler is a Professor of Art History at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She writes extensively on issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, The Progressive, the Ploughshares blog and Gulf Coast. Stetler also researches and writes about the art and photography of early twentieth-century Europe and the United States. In 2022, she...
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This week Shifting Schools is sharing another podcast with you: 🎙️ In this episode of Women Talkin' 'Bout AI, host Dr. Kimberly Becker welcomes Tricia Friedman, an all-around educational innovator who's been doing really future-forward and inclusive work in AI literacy and community building. In this powerful conversation, international educator and neuroqueer futurist Tricia uncovers the profound potential of AI in education while maintaining authentic human connections. Key Insights: -The critical need for AI literacy in K-12 and higher education -Reimagining learning...
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In this conversation, Tricia and Joel Birch explore the transformative power of Lego Serious Play as a facilitation method. Joel shares his background in music and comedy, discussing how these experiences inform his approach to facilitating workshops. They get into the importance of play in communication, the dynamics of team interactions, and the unique benefits of virtual facilitation. The discussion highlights the role of a facilitator in creating a safe space for expression and the similarities and differences between K-12 education and corporate environments. Joel emphasizes the need for...
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In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and John Gardner discuss the critical role of manufacturing in the American economy and the importance of education in preparing students for careers in this field. Gardner emphasizes the need to change perceptions of manufacturing, highlighting its high-tech nature and the lucrative opportunities it offers. They explore how K-12 education has shifted away from vocational training, leading to a shortage of skilled workers. The discussion also covers the importance of real-world applications in education and creating pathways for students to succeed in...
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Creativity is essential. On the show this week we loved learning with Crayola's Cheri Sterman. Cheri is here to tell us all about the power of the upcoming Crayola Creativity Week. Educators and families can register free for this event: The conversation centers around Crayola Creativity Week, a free program designed to inspire and celebrate children's creativity. Cheri Sterman discusses the importance of nurturing creativity in children, the role of parents and educators in fostering creative confidence, and practical ways to integrate creativity into daily life. The event features a lineup...
info_outlineDoes this sound familiar? You integrate AI technology in your classroom, hoping to enhance student engagement and learning. However, you find yourself overwhelmed with the vast array of AI tools and unsure of how to effectively integrate them. This ineffective action leaves you feeling frustrated and disappointed, as you see little improvement in student outcomes. But imagine a different approach—one where the power of AI is harnessed to create a balanced and effective learning environment. Together, let's explore strategies to strike the perfect AI-human balance and achieve the results you desire.
My special guest is Terry Kearnes
https://twitter.com/terrykteacher
Terry Kearnes, an elementary education teacher based in Vietnam, joins us as a guest on the podcast. With his classroom experience, Terry offers valuable insights into effectively integrating AI technology in his 4th grade classroom. Employing a project-based and standards-based approach, Terry's classroom is designed to foster student engagement and learning. Currently, his students are immersed in a unit called "Independent Me," where they have the opportunity to delve into various topics, including AI. Terry's interest in AI was sparked by its potential to enhance teaching and learning experiences. He has successfully incorporated AI tools into his lessons, using them for generating examples, lesson planning, and supporting vocabulary development. Through Terry's expertise, we will explore the importance of balancing AI integration with human interaction to create a conducive and effective learning environment.
AI levels the playing field for all students, giving them ownership of their learning and empowering them to take charge. - Terry Kearnes
In this episode, we discuss:
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Enhance classroom learning with AI technology: Discover how AI can revolutionize your teaching methods and create a more engaging and interactive learning environment for students.
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Elevate student writing skills with AI tools: Unleash the power of AI to provide personalized feedback and guidance, helping students improve their writing skills and boosting their creativity.
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Personalize learning experiences with generative AI: Explore how generative AI can tailor educational content to individual student needs, promoting a more personalized and effective learning journey.
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Strike the perfect AI-human balance in the classroom: Learn strategies to effectively integrate AI technology while maintaining the crucial human connection and interaction that fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
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Embrace the future of education with AI: Gain insights into the latest AI advancements and their potential impact on education, empowering you to stay ahead and embrace the exciting possibilities of AI in the classroom.
Enhancing Student Engagement and Learning
AI tools can significantly boost student engagement by providing personalized and interactive learning experiences. By simplifying complex concepts and adjusting language levels, AI makes learning more accessible for students of varied proficiencies. Terry Kearnes' use of Poe.com exemplifies how AI can empower students, giving them more control over their learning and leveling the playing field for all.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
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Check out Poe.com for a website that can help with AI examples and prompts for students.
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Visit Code Breaker Edu's website at codebreakeredu.com to explore their Byte software, a great tool for vocabulary and language level adjustments. https://www.codebreakeredu.com/chat/
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Encourage students to use AI tools like Chat GPT or Byte to rewrite research materials at a level they can comprehend, helping them understand complex concepts.
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Explore the use of AI in the classroom to level the playing field for all students, including second language learners and multi-language learners.
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Empower students to take ownership of their learning by allowing them to choose the language level for their materials when using AI tools like Byte.
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Use AI tools like Byte to prepare for FMP reading tests by adjusting the level of the text to match each student's reading level.
Check out even more AI resources and free guides to support you at https://www.shiftingschools.com